dry up

To become less available and finally stop completely.

• The money dried up.
• Orders have dried up since the factory closed.
• What will we do if donations dry up?

Similar words: run out, stop, cease

Common phrases: dry up completely, dry up suddenly

To lose water and become dry, or for wet weather to end.

• The pond dried up.
• These streams dry up every summer.
• We can leave when the weather dries up.

Similar words: dry, parch

Common phrases: dry up completely, dry up in summer

To make something lose its water and become completely dry.

• The heat dried up the pond.
• Strong winds can dry up shallow pools.
• The drought has dried up all our wells.

How to use it: dry something up (The sun dried the puddles up.)

Similar words: dry, drain

Common phrases: dry up something, dry up rivers

To wipe washed plates, cups, and other kitchen things with a cloth until they are dry.

• I will dry up.
• He dried up while I washed the plates.
• Can you dry up these glasses?

Similar words: dry, wipe dry

Common phrases: dry up dishes, dry up afterwards

To make a supply of something important stop reaching someone.

• The scandal dried up their funding.
• False rumours dried up sales at his shop.
• New restrictions could dry up credit for small businesses.

How to use it: dry up something (The dispute dried up outside support.)

Similar words: cut off, stop

Common phrases: dry up funding, dry up credit

To stop speaking because you cannot remember what to say next.

• I dried up during my speech.
• Actors sometimes dry up in front of an audience.
• She was so nervous that she dried up halfway through.

Similar words: go blank

Common phrases: dry up onstage, dry up completely